Question: What are AWS Game Days?

Answer

AWS GameDay is a learning exercise designed by Amazon Web Services (AWS) to familiarize players with an AWS environment and challenge them to come up with ways to solve problems based on the scenarios presented.

This event, typically lasting one full day, is structured as a game where participants form teams that are given a fictitious business scenario and set of tasks to accomplish using AWS services. The tasks might include solving operational issues, responding to unexpected changes or events, and optimizing for cost. The game aims to produce a high-stress, real-world-like situation where users can learn while having fun.

GameDay provides a hands-on opportunity to test skills in implementing, managing, and troubleshooting applications on AWS. Participants get to use a wide range of AWS services and features, usually in a sandbox environment. It's a great way to build experience with AWS in a risk-free setting.

The scoring system adds a competitive element to the game. Teams earn points by accomplishing goals that are in line with best practices for operating in the cloud, and these goals often align with five pillars of the AWS Well-Architected Framework: Operational Excellence, Security, Reliability, Performance Efficiency, and Cost Optimization.

In summary, AWS GameDay is an exciting, gamified way to gain practical experience and knowledge about AWS services and best practices.